![Setter Emma Lee (9) sets the ball to the middle during the match against Pinewood on Sept. 12. “[I’m looking forward to] getting more skilled, learning more about my position and also becoming better friends with all of my teammates, Emma said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/DSC_4917-2-1200x795.jpg)
![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasnt been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but Ive had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. Theres so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesnt exist, you can build it yourself, Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“Animation just clicked in a way. I had been interested in art, but that felt different. [Animation] felt like it had something behind it, whereas previous things felt surface level. I wasnt making that crazy of things, but just the process of doing it was much more enjoyable, Carter Chadwick (22) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Screen-Shot-2022-08-16-at-9.44.08-AM-900x598.png)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and its played such a major role in who Ive become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something Im [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala (21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“Im not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that theres a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyones so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you arent going to get those championships if you arent fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
Pour up productivity at cafes
The scent of roasted coffee beans and warm butter croissants wafts through the bustling cafe. Scattered conversations fill the crowded room, and not a seat is left empty. I clutch my canvas tote bag tightly in my hand as I maneuver between pushed-out seats and standing customers until finally, I spot an empty chair in the corner of the room. Excitement bubbles in my mind as I place my tote bag on the table and make my way towards the ordering counter — my weekend study session would soon commence.
Studying at a cafe truly transforms the task from a mundane obligation to an exciting experience. Drinking a freshly brewed latte while completing my calculus homework or enjoying a freshly baked pesto panini between homework sets, I feel motivated to push through my work knowing a delicious reward awaits at the end. The endless selection of food not only motivates me to begin studying at the cafe, but also refuels me throughout my seemingly endless study session.
The aesthetic decor in my local cafes also allows me to romanticize my studying experience. Studying in a neat, tastefully decorated environment boosts my own productivity and instantly livens my mood. When I put on my black Sony headphones and ambient piano music begins flowing through my ears, I truly feel like one of those aesthetic lifestyle YouTubers that always appears so put together. I sometimes even dress up to go to study at cafes, and looking more put-together allows me to feel more productive and organized while doing my work.
The cafe setting also prevents me from falling victim to the numerous distractions that await me at home. When I am studying in my room, my phone always seems to call out my name, compelling my hand to move towards the tempting yet forbidden device. My comfortable bed lays right behind my desk, and I find myself taking “power naps” far more often than I should. Even when I am not napping, the coziness of my room often makes me sleepy, leading me to doze off while doing my homework. Five minute study breaks also quickly turn into hours of scrolling on TikTok when I am left alone in my room.
The risk of distraction instantly vanishes the moment I step into a crowded cafe. Surrounded by others who are similarly typing away on their computers or taking notes in a worn out notebook, I am reminded of my true objective: to study. The productivity that pervades the space makes me feel obligated to begin my work instead of procrastinating for hours on end, a bad habit that usually happens when I study at home. In fact, I even feel guilty when I begin to scroll through my phone at the cafe.
Along with the productive environment, the promise of studying at a cafe has taught me how to enjoy studying. The change of scenery for my studying adds an exciting twist to my usual weekend routine, and learning how to effectively use my time to achieve my academic goals feels truly rewarding.